Library renovation project includes an expansion, designated areas for Teens and Children, and a beautiful landscaped courtyard

San Francisco Public Library will celebrate the re-opening of a neighborhood treasure, the newly renovated Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library, on Saturday, Oct. 24. Located at 1 José Sarria Court, near 16th and Market streets, the Eureka Valley renovation is the latest project in the City’s Branch Library Improvement Program.

The grand re-opening celebration will kick off with lion dancers and musicians in front of the renovated branch. Festivities begin at Noon with a small neighborhood parade, followed by speeches and entertainment at 1 p.m. Library services will start at 2 p.m. Pond Street will be closed between 16th and 17th streets to through traffic during the event. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned with Mayor Gavin Newsom, City Librarian Luis Herrera, Supervisor Bevan Dufty, Department of Public Works Director Ed Reiskin and other city and state officials.

“We are excited to have the Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library re-open its doors and once again provide a spot for materials, information and recreation for this lively and diverse neighborhood,” said City Librarian Luis Herrera. “The updating of this branch has created a very welcoming, open and comfortable space that is sure to be well used by this community. The renovated library is a wonderful tribute to the legacy of its namesake Harvey Milk”

The thoughtful renovation of the beautiful, midcentury modern branch included a small addition, new accessible restrooms, seismic upgrading, technological updating and new furnishings. The light-filled Library includes a reading lounge area with a refurbished gas fireplace as well as a pleasant outdoor courtyard surrounded by flowers and plants. The much loved Benjamin Bufano torso sculpture remains in place at the entryway.

“DPW is proud to deliver this world class library to a world class neighborhood. We designed and managed the renovation of the Eureka Valley Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library and are confident that this updated, accessible public space- with its modern additions developed with top-rated green building design practices- will be used and enjoyed by generations to come,” said Edward Reiskin, Director of the Department of Public Works.

Originally built in 1961, the branch library now offers more designated space for Teens and Children as well as accommodating a new staff work area. A more flexible layout can support a variety of library programs and events.

The branch also includes new furniture, shelving and flooring, a comfortable newspaper and magazine area, additional public computers and Wi-Fi access to the Internet. The renovation was designed by the Bureau of Architecture in the Department of Public Works.

Eureka Valley is the 12th library project to be completed under the Branch Library Improvement Program, which is funded by a $105.9 million bond measure passed by voters in November 2000. The program is supporting the renovation of16 branch libraries and the construction of eight new library buildings around the City. Project costs totaled about $5.5 million.

Over the past two years, Friends of the San Francisco Public Library has been working in partnership with neighborhood residents and communities to raise funds, awareness and support for the branch improvements. Friends, together with the Eureka Valley Library Campaign Committee, will contribute approximately $500,000 towards the branch renovations to pay for furnishings, fixtures and equipment—expenses not covered by the bond. For more information on how to support the Eureka Valley Library Campaign, please contact Mary Abler, (415) 626-7512, ext. 107.